Any time a “Christian” politician, leader, or news pundit makes a strong statement, I cringe a bit. Lately, it seems like the visible statements by these folks are inflammatory at best. But worse than that, the folks who report on it all seem to think that the person’s statement reflects what all Christians feel. It’s hurting all of our Christian witnessing opportunities.
Of course, that leads me to wonder if some of the things I say might be doing the same thing. I’m lately coming to the point of believing I can either take a political stance or a Christian stance—but not both. And here’s why:
Your political stances don’t all reflect what Christ taught.
I grew up believing the Republican agenda perfectly reflected what Jesus taught. Imagine my surprise when I began reading the Bible and saw that this wasn’t the case. There are plenty of Republican beliefs that don’t reflect what Jesus taught. There are plenty of Democratic beliefs that don’t reflect Jesus. Mostly because Jesus was silent on things like medical insurance, gun control, welfare…
So when you take a stance on something that isn’t in the Bible or is even against the Bible, you’re acting like a political party member—not like a Christian.
People assume everything you believe is what Christ taught.
As a Christian, you’re labeled. Every time you do something, people assume that’s what all Christians do. So your actions label all Christians in the minds of people you know. That’s a lot of responsibility.
People don’t see your Christian life separately from your political life. And frankly, neither should you. Are you taking stances on things that you shouldn’t be?
When you join a movement, you put your seal of approval on the whole thing.
Finally, even if you are careful about where you take your stance, any movement you join has your whole support. Any time you post support for Trump, Clinton, Sanders…whoever…you’re saying you agree with everything they say.
I’m not saying we shouldn’t vote. I’m not saying we shouldn’t have our preferred candidate. But maybe we shouldn’t be so quick to rally behind them publicly. Maybe we should vote our conscience, but promote our God—not our candidate.
Remember: Politics won’t fix our nation, only Jesus can do that. Let’s focus on our savior, not on our political system. Vote. Be a responsible citizen. But let your first and foremost allegiance be to the kingdom of heaven.
